Baton Rouge’s position on the banks of the Mississippi River provides plenty of opportunity for local boaters to get out on the water. Unfortunately, not all boaters act responsibly toward other vessels and people. When a boat operator does not demonstrate the care and consideration that the law requires, this irresponsibility can lead to accidents with devastating repercussions.
As a seasoned personal injury attorney could explain, pursuing compensation after a boating accident is similar to a car accident claim but with some key differences. Knowing and enforcing your right to compensation is crucial, and could be much easier with an experienced Baton Rouge boat accident lawyer on your side.
What to Do After a Boat Accident
Under state law, anyone involved in a collision between maritime vessels must stop their vessel immediately at the scene and provide assistance to anyone in need. Of course, there are unique risks on the water, and boaters should only take action if it does not endanger themselves, their vessel, or their passengers. Those involved in the accident must also provide identifying information, including their name, address, and vessel registration details, to anyone who suffers an injury and/or property damage in the incident. Involved parties have five days after the incident to file a written accident report with the state Department of Wildlife & Fisheries.
Fulfilling these basic legal requirements is key to recovering civil compensation from a boat wreck and may require legal counsel. However, a successful injury claim also requires proving that another party acted recklessly to cause the accident. A boat accident attorney in Baton Rouge could provide crucial help in collecting evidence to establish what happened and who bears responsibility for it. This evidence may include photos of the accident scene and/or vessel damage, medical documentation, witness testimony, and more.
Act Soon to Pursue Full Compensation
Anyone who causes an injury to someone else on the water can be held accountable for both immediate and long-term economic and non-economic damages. This compensation could cover:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost earning ability and/or earnings
- Vessel damage and other personal property loss
- Pain and suffering
- Psychological trauma from the accident
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of enjoyment of life
It is essential to get the legal process started as soon as possible after a boating accident. Louisiana Civil Code § 3492 states that those who have suffered injuries have just one year after sustaining harm to pursue legal action. This statute establishes an exceptionally short filing period, and it could be difficult to build a comprehensive case in time without guidance from a capable boat injury lawyer in Baton Rouge.
Get Help from a Baton Rouge Boat Accident Attorney
Accidents on the water can be even more dangerous than auto wrecks, especially given the ever-present risk of drowning. With the various physical, financial, and personal losses a boat accident can cause, it is critical to pursue legal action against at-fault parties as soon as possible. However, these cases are challenging, and it may be difficult to proceed without legal representation.
Getting paid fairly for the harm you sustained could be easier to achieve with dependable legal counsel to guide you. A Baton Rouge boat accident lawyer could be an essential ally in your fight to get the compensation you deserve. Call Tomeny | Best Injury Lawyers today to get started.
